Cooking for Real Season 1 Episode 1 Pilot: Carolina On My Mind

Cooking for Real season 1 episode 1 is titled Pilot: Carolina On My Mind, and is the very first episode of the show. In this episode, host Sunny Anderson creates a delicious Southern-inspired menu that offers a unique twist on classic Carolina recipes.

Sunny begins the episode by taking us on a tour of her neighborhood in Brooklyn, highlighting the diverse food options in her area. She then heads to the farmer's market to gather fresh ingredients for her menu, which includes dishes like Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chops, Mac and Cheese with a Twist, Hoppin' John Salad, and a Peach and Blueberry Cobbler.

As she begins preparing the Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chops, Sunny explains how to create a simple brine mixture using tea bags, sugar, and salt. She then shows us how to properly brine the pork chops, which infuses them with a sweet and savory flavor. While the pork chops are brining, Sunny gets started on the mac and cheese which includes a surprise ingredient that elevates the classic comfort food dish.

Next, Sunny tackles the Hoppin' John Salad, a nutritious and colorful dish inspired by traditional Southern cuisine. She explains the history behind Hoppin' John, a dish made with black-eyed peas and rice that is said to bring good luck when eaten on New Year's Day. Sunny adds her own twist to the dish by turning it into a colorful salad with fresh vegetables and a refreshing vinaigrette dressing.

Finally, Sunny finishes off her menu with a Peach and Blueberry Cobbler, which celebrates the fresh produce of the season. She demonstrates how to make a sweet biscuit dough that is layered over a mixture of fresh peaches and blueberries. The cobbler is baked to golden perfection and served with a dollop of whipped cream.

Throughout the episode, Sunny shares her love for cooking and her appreciation for the diverse food cultures of the South. She also offers helpful cooking tips and techniques for creating flavorful and nutritious meals at home.

Pilot: Carolina On My Mind is a delicious and engaging episode that sets the stage for the rest of the Cooking for Real series. Viewers are sure to be inspired by Sunny's creativity and passion for cooking, as well as the unique flavors and ingredients of Southern cuisine.